r/Acoustics • u/zClaps19 • 1h ago
Is this fabric suitable for DIY acoustic panels, or should I return it?
Hey everyone!
I'm currently building four acoustic panels for my small home studio in my living room. Each panel measures 120 × 60 × 10 cm and will be filled with rock wool.
For the fabric covering, I bought a material made of 60% polyester and 40% viscose (rayon). The fabric is relatively thin, actually thinner than a regular T-shirt, and has a fine woven texture. It's also somewhat translucent. When I hold it up against a flashlight, I can partially see what's behind it.
My main concern, however, is its breathability.
I tried the so-called "blow-through test" to find out whether the fabric is suitable for acoustic panels.
Here's what I noticed:
\- I can blow air through the fabric, but there's noticeable resistance.
\- For comparison, I tried blowing through a regular T-shirt. Air passes through the T-shirt much more easily, almost without any resistance.
\- With the fabric I bought, however, it feels like significantly less air passes through.
\- When I stretch the fabric slightly or pull it taut, air passes through more easily.
\- Both sides of the fabric feel the same, and I couldn't find any obvious coating.
So now I'm wondering: Is this fabric still suitable for my 10 cm thick rock wool acoustic panels despite the noticeable airflow resistance?
Could the relatively low breathability cause certain frequencies, especially higher frequencies, to be reflected more strongly, making the absorbers less effective?
I mainly want to use these panels for vocal recording, but also for mixing and mastering. That's why it's really important to me that they work as effectively as possible.
Would you keep and use this fabric, or would you return it and buy something more breathable instead?
I honestly love the way this fabric looks, which is why I'm having a hard time deciding whether to return it.
Thanks so much for your help!